Patentable/Patents/US-9634982
US-9634982

Utilizing multiple interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement packets

PublishedApril 25, 2017
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Utilizing multiple network interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement packages comprises, in a low power and lossy network (LLN) or other network, a sender device comprises two or more network interfaces for communicating with one or more recipient devices. The sender device assesses the transmission capabilities of the network interfaces to determine data rates available for each interface. The sender device specifies which network interface will be used to transfer data and which network interface will be used to receive an acknowledgement from the recipient device. The sender device selects the network interface with the larger data capacity for transmitting a data packet and the network interface with the smaller data capacity for receiving an acknowledgement. The data transmission and the acknowledgement transmission may be transmitted simultaneously. The recipient device uses transmission parameters received from the sender device to determine the data rate with which to transmit the acknowledgement.

Patent Claims
21 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computer-implemented method to utilize multiple interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement messages to facilitate transmission times for delivering data packets, comprising: determining, by a sender computing device in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN), a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to a receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device, determining, by the sender computing device, a first network interface to use to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and a second network interface to use to receive acknowledgment messages from the receiver computing device, the first and second network interfaces being selected based on the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device; communicating, by the sender computing device, a data message via the first network interface to the receiver computing device, the data message comprising instructions to the receiver computing device instructing the receiver computing device to use the second network interface to communicate acknowledgement messages to the sender computing device; and receiving, by the sender computing device and via the second network interface, an acknowledgement message from the receiver device acknowledging receipt of the data message.

Plain English Translation

A sender device in a low-power, lossy network (LLN) uses multiple network interfaces to speed up data delivery. The device determines the data transmission rate for each of its network interfaces. Based on these rates, the sender chooses one interface to send data messages to a receiver and another interface to receive acknowledgements. The sender communicates the selected interfaces in the data message, instructing the receiver on which interface to use for sending acknowledgements. The sender then sends the data message and receives the acknowledgement via the designated interface.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising identifying the two or more network interfaces available for transmission of data messages and receipt of acknowledgement messages.

Plain English Translation

The computer-implemented method to utilize multiple interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement messages to facilitate transmission times for delivering data packets further includes identifying the two or more network interfaces available for transmission of data messages and receipt of acknowledgement messages. This means the sender device first determines which network interfaces it can use to both send data and receive acknowledgements before determining the transmission rates and selecting the optimal interfaces.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a second data message by the sender computing device to the receiver computing device via the first network interface simultaneously with receiving the acknowledgement message from the receiver computing device via the second network interface.

Plain English Translation

The computer-implemented method to utilize multiple interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement messages to facilitate transmission times for delivering data packets, comprises: determining, by a sender computing device in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN), a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to a receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device, determining, by the sender computing device, a first network interface to use to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and a second network interface to use to receive acknowledgment messages from the receiver computing device, the first and second network interfaces being selected based on the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device; communicating, by the sender computing device, a data message via the first network interface to the receiver computing device, the data message comprising instructions to the receiver computing device instructing the receiver computing device to use the second network interface to communicate acknowledgement messages to the sender computing device; and receiving, by the sender computing device and via the second network interface, an acknowledgement message from the receiver device acknowledging receipt of the data message. The method also includes transmitting a second data message by the sender computing device to the receiver computing device via the first network interface simultaneously with receiving the acknowledgement message from the receiver computing device via the second network interface.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein a first network interface is selected based on a determination that the data transmission rate of the first network interface is faster than a second network interface.

Plain English Translation

The computer-implemented method to utilize multiple interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement messages to facilitate transmission times for delivering data packets, comprises: determining, by a sender computing device in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN), a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to a receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device, determining, by the sender computing device, a first network interface to use to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and a second network interface to use to receive acknowledgment messages from the receiver computing device, the first and second network interfaces being selected based on the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device; communicating, by the sender computing device, a data message via the first network interface to the receiver computing device, the data message comprising instructions to the receiver computing device instructing the receiver computing device to use the second network interface to communicate acknowledgement messages to the sender computing device; and receiving, by the sender computing device and via the second network interface, an acknowledgement message from the receiver device acknowledging receipt of the data message. The first network interface is selected because its data transmission rate is faster than the second network interface.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a second data message by the sender computing device to the receiver computing device via the first network interface prior to receiving the acknowledgement message from the receiver computing device via the second network interface.

Plain English Translation

The computer-implemented method to utilize multiple interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement messages to facilitate transmission times for delivering data packets, comprises: determining, by a sender computing device in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN), a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to a receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and to receive acknowledgement messages from the receiver computing device, determining, by the sender computing device, a first network interface to use to transmit data messages to the receiver computing device and a second network interface to use to receive acknowledgment messages from the receiver computing device, the first and second network interfaces being selected based on the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces of the sender computing device; communicating, by the sender computing device, a data message via the first network interface to the receiver computing device, the data message comprising instructions to the receiver computing device instructing the receiver computing device to use the second network interface to communicate acknowledgement messages to the sender computing device; and receiving, by the sender computing device and via the second network interface, an acknowledgement message from the receiver device acknowledging receipt of the data message. The method also includes transmitting a second data message by the sender computing device to the receiver computing device via the first network interface prior to receiving the acknowledgement message from the receiver computing device via the second network interface.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. An apparatus, comprising: one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message.

Plain English Translation

An apparatus for communicating within a low power and lossy network (LLN) comprises network interfaces, a processor, and memory. The processor identifies two network interfaces common to both the sender and receiver devices. It determines the data transmission rate for each interface. The sender device then specifies transmission parameters for the receiver to use when sending acknowledgements, and sends these parameters to the receiver. The sender transmits the data message, and the receiver uses the received transmission parameters to determine which network interface to use to send its acknowledgement message back to the sender.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein the network interface used for transmitting the data message from the sender device to the receiver device is different than the network interface used for transmitting the acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, uses different interfaces for sending data and receiving acknowledgements.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to transmit a second data message from the sender device to the receiver device, wherein the second data message is transmitted prior to receiving the acknowledgement message by the sender device from the receiver device.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, also transmits a second data message before receiving the acknowledgement.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to transmit a second data message from the sender device to the receiver device, wherein the second data message is transmitted simultaneously with receiving the acknowledgement message by the sender device from the receiver device.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, transmits a second data message simultaneously with receiving the acknowledgement.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein the transmission parameters comprise a specification of which network interface of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message to the sender device, and wherein the receiver device uses the specified network interface to transmit the acknowledgement message to the sender device.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, explicitly tells the receiver which interface to use. The receiver then uses this specified network interface to transmit the acknowledgement.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein the receiver device determines which network interface of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message to the sender device based on the transmission parameters received by the receiver device from the sender device.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message. The receiver device uses the transmission parameters received to determine which network interface to use for sending the acknowledgement.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein the transmission parameters comprise one or more of a data rate, modulation, or a tone map of the network interfaces.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message. The transmission parameters include data rate, modulation, or a tone map of the network interfaces.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The apparatus as in claim 6 , wherein a first network interface used to transmit the data message to the receiver device is selected based on a determination that the data transmission rate of the first network interface is faster than a second network interface used to receive the acknowledgement message from the receiver device.

Plain English Translation

The apparatus, comprising one or more network interfaces to communicate with a low power and lossy network (LLN); a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: identify two common network interfaces of a sender device and a receiver device that are available for transmission of a data message from the sender device to the receiver device and an acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device; determine a data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two common network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message between the sender device and the receiver device, specify by the sender device transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a first communication comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit, by the sender device, a second communication comprising the data message; and receive the acknowledgement message transmitted by the receiver device, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two common network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message. The network interface with the faster data transmission rate is used for sending the data message.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message.

Plain English Translation

Software stored on computer-readable media enables a sender device in a low-power, lossy network (LLN) to use multiple interfaces to speed up data transfer. The software identifies available network interfaces and determines the data transmission rate for each. It specifies transmission parameters for the receiver to use when sending acknowledgements, which help the receiver select the best interface for acknowledgements. The sender transmits the data message, including these parameters, and then receives the acknowledgement via the interface the receiver selected based on those parameters.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein a network interface used for transmitting the data message from the sender device to the receiver device is different than a network interface used for transmitting the acknowledgement message from the receiver device to the sender device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, uses different interfaces for sending data and receiving acknowledgements.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to transmit a second data message from the sender device to the receiver device, wherein the second data message is transmitted prior to receiving the acknowledgement message by the sender device from the receiver device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, also transmits a second data message before receiving the acknowledgement.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to transmit a second data message from the sender device to the receiver device, wherein the second data message is transmitted simultaneously with receiving the acknowledgement message by the sender device from the receiver device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, transmits a second data message simultaneously with receiving the acknowledgement.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein the transmission parameters comprise a specification of which network interface of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message to the sender device, and wherein the receiver device uses the specified network interface to transmit the acknowledgement message to the sender device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, explicitly tells the receiver which interface to use. The receiver then uses this specified network interface to transmit the acknowledgement.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein the receiver device determines which network interface of the two network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message to the sender device based on the transmission parameters received by the receiver device from the sender device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message. The receiver device uses the transmission parameters received to determine which network interface to use for sending the acknowledgement.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein the transmission parameters comprise one or more of a data rate, modulation, or a tone map of the network interfaces.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message. The transmission parameters include data rate, modulation, or a tone map of the network interfaces.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The computer-readable media of claim 14 , wherein a first network interface used to transmit the data message to the receiver device is selected based on a determination that the data transmission rate of the first network interface is faster than a second network interface used to receive the acknowledgement message from the receiver device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a processor operable to: identify two or more network interfaces in a multi-interface, low power and lossy network (LLN) available for transmission of a data message and an acknowledgement message; determine a data transmission rate of each of two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message; in response to determining the data transmission rate of each of the two or more network interfaces to transmit the data message and the acknowledgement message, specify transmission parameters for a receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message, wherein the transmission parameters assist the receiver device in determining which of the two or more network interface to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; transmit the data message to the receiver device, the data message comprising the transmission parameters for the receiver device to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message; and receive the acknowledgement message, wherein the receiver device used the transmission parameters to determine which of the two or more network interfaces to use when transmitting the acknowledgement message. The network interface with the faster data transmission rate is used for sending the data message.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

July 18, 2013

Publication Date

April 25, 2017

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